Empowering Women into becoming Entrepreneurs
On March 19, 2024, the Government Center in Sto Nino, San Simon, Pampanga became a hub of entrepreneurial inspiration as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Pampanga Provincial Office partnered with the Municipal Agricultural Office of San Simon to conduct a Business Opportunity Seminar (BOS) and Skills Training on Meat Processing and Vegetable Pickling.
The seminar and skills training were part of collaborative efforts to empower farmers' wives in San Simon. With 55 eager participants in attendance, the event promised to equip individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
Business Counselor (BC) Paul Ocampo, of Negosyo Center Candaba, took the lead in facilitating the first part of the activity. The session delved into the essentials of starting a business, providing attendees with practical insights into the steps involved in launching and sustaining a business venture.
A key component of the seminar was the comprehensive overview of DTI programs and services available to support budding entrepreneurs. BC Ocampo highlighted resources such as online business name registration and product development programs like Pasantingan and Lucub. Additionally, he introduced training and seminar opportunities such as Pasikatan and Magaral Tamu, designed to nurture entrepreneurial skills through educational initiatives.
The seminar fostered an environment of active participation and engagement. Participants eagerly absorbed information and actively contributed to discussions, demonstrating their proactive approach to learning and entrepreneurship.
Following the seminar, the program transitioned seamlessly into the highly anticipated Meat Processing and Vegetable Pickling Training. The hands-on session promised practical skills and techniques essential for value addition within the agricultural sector, further empowering participants to explore new avenues for economic growth and sustainability.
In welcoming the participants to the Meat Processing and Pickled Vegetable Skills Training, Mam Lilibeth Manliclic, the resource speaker, emphasized their pivotal role as the heart and backbone of local farming communities. She ignited a flame of potential among the attendees, urging them to seize the opportunity to cultivate their skills and contribute to the enhancement of meat processing and pickled vegetable production.
With a call to sow the seeds of knowledge and nurture the boundless potential within each participant, Ma'am Lilibeth set the stage for an enriching journey of learning and growth.
Reflecting on the impact of the training, Lenny Sanchez, one of the participants shared, "This Meat Processing and Pickled Vegetable Skills Training has been a game-changer for me. Before, I felt limited in my contributions to our farm, but now, armed with new knowledge and techniques, I feel like I can truly make a difference. This training has not only expanded my skills but also my confidence. I'm excited to apply what I've learned and watch our farm thrive like never before."
In essence, the Business Opportunity Seminar and the skills training served as a catalyst for entrepreneurial empowerment within the San Simon community. Through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to fostering economic resilience, DTI Pampanga and the San Simon Municipal Agricultural Office paved the way for individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations with confidence and determination.
By: Joseph Paul S. Ocampo, Business Counselor | Negosyo Center Candaba, Pampanga
